Volunteer Program Manager en Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden

ABOUT US

The Dallas Arboretum is a treasured nonprofit institution rooted in decades of history, natural beauty, and community connection. As one of the top botanical gardens in the world, we are committed to sustainability, lifelong learning, and innovative approaches to conservation and public engagement. Volunteers are the heart of our mission - bringing energy, expertise, and care to every corner of our gardens.

Position Summary

The Volunteer Program Manager is a strategic leader who will shape and steward a vibrant, collaborative, and high-impact volunteer program. Reporting directly to the Associate Vice President of People & Culture, this role is responsible for aligning volunteer engagement with the organization’s values of community, sustainability, learning, and innovation. The manager will build strong relationships, foster a culture of service, and ensure that volunteers are equipped and supported to contribute meaningfully across all areas of the garden.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Develop and implement a long-term volunteer engagement strategy that reflects the garden’s values and supports organizational goals.
• Collaborate cross functionally with departments to identify and fulfill volunteer needs.
• Serve as a strategic advisor on volunteerism trends, impact measurement, and community engagement.

Program Management

• Oversee the full lifecycle of volunteer engagement: recruitment, onboarding, training, scheduling, supervision, and evaluation.
• Ensure compliance with safety, risk management and organizational policies and procedures.
• Maintain and optimize volunteer management systems and databases.

Relationship Building

• Cultivate a welcoming and community-centered volunteer culture that is engaging and collaborative. 
• Design and lead recognition programs that honor volunteer contributions and promote retention.
• Act as a liaison between volunteers and staff, fostering clear communication and collaboration.

Learning & Innovation

• Integrate learning opportunities into volunteer roles, including training, enrichment, and cross-departmental collaboration.
• Pilot innovative volunteer initiatives that expand access, deepen engagement, and support evolving organizational needs.
• Encourage feedback and continuous improvement, being a strong member of the greater People and Culture team. 

Data & Impact

• Consistently and accurately track and report volunteer metrics.
• Use data to inform program improvements and demonstrate value to stakeholders.

Team Leadership

• Lead and support volunteer program employees and interns, ensuring alignment with program goals and organizational values. 
• Partner with the People and Culture team to provide coaching, professional development, and performance management.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required, specializing in nonprofit management, human resources, public administration, or related field a plus. 
• 5+ years of experience managing volunteer programs, preferably in a nonprofit or cultural institution.
• Proven ability to lead strategic initiatives and manage complex programs.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills.
• Experience with volunteer management software and data reporting.
• Passion for nature, sustainability, community engagement, and mission-driven work.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule as seasonally needed, including nights and weekends
• Ability to pass all pre-employment testing, including a criminal background check and drug screening 

Preferred Attributes

• Experience working with cultural institutions or managing large-scale volunteer programs. 
• Knowledge of operations within museums, gardens or similar institutions with extensive volunteer involvement. 
• Bilingual or multilingual abilities.
• Certification in Volunteer Administration (CVA) or similar credentials.

To help you stay energized, engaged, and inspired, we offer a wide range of benefits including comprehensive healthcare, a 401K, and Paid Time Off (PTO).

The mission of the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden is to be a garden for all that enriches lives through beauty, learning, and connection. We are a world-class sanctuary where people and plants flourish in the natural environment. 

The Dallas Arboretum is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, age, color, ancestry, national origin, place of birth, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, military or veteran status, genetic characteristics or disability unrelated to job performance.